Manik woke up the next morning and turned his head.
Naina was still asleep. Her face looked soft, innocent... almost childlike. She breathed peacefully, completely unaware of the storm she was living in.
His gaze dropped to the red marks on her skin. His chest tightened. Did I really... do this to her?
But the thought didn't stay long. Manik shook his head, hard, as if refusing to let guilt crawl in. Without another glance, he walked into the bathroom.
When he came out, she was still curled up on the bed. Sleeping. Peaceful. Too peaceful.
Something inside him snapped.
He returned to the bathroom, this time carrying a bucket of ice-cold water.
The splash hit her like lightning.
Naina gasped, jerking awake, her eyes wide with panic. For a second, anger sparked in her gaze-but then she saw his face. His anger. His cruelty. And all that anger turned into fear.
"You're not here to sleep," Manik's voice was like ice. "You're my slave. You have fifteen minutes to get ready."
He was already dressed, sharp and handsome, every bit the arrogant Oberoi heir. His eyes lingered on her one last time before he added, "Hurry up."
Naina rushed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Manik exhaled slowly, shaking his head, before heading downstairs.
The dining table was silent, except for the clinking of cutlery.
Until his father's voice thundered.
"Who is that girl you were marrying? Do you realize she doesn't belong in our world? She has no status-no name-nothing!"
Manik's jaw tightened. "I don't care."
The argument grew louder, both voices colliding like fire against fire.
"Enough."
The softer voice belonged to Anika Oberoi. His stepmother.
Manik's gaze snapped to her, his anger burning hotter.
"Don't interfere between me and my father."
Her face fell. She always treated him like her own son, but to Manik... she was just a stranger.
Then came the sound of footsteps.
Naina.
She walked down slowly, her head lowered, her body trembling. She stopped beside Manik, silent but present.
Saurabh's eyes narrowed, his words cutting like blades.
"Get out of this house! You don't belong here!"
Her heart shattered. She didn't even try to speak. Tears filled her eyes, but she swallowed them down, her silence louder than screams.
The crash of breaking glass made everyone freeze.
Manik's fist had slammed into the dining table, shattering it into pieces. Blood dripped from his hand, but he didn't care.
"Enough," he growled, his voice deadly calm.
He grabbed Naina's hand and pulled her upstairs.
"Ma'am," a servant appeared, bowing to Anika. "Vikram sir has arrived."
Her face lit up instantly. She hurried to the door, joy spreading across her features.
Vikram Oberoi. The golden boy. The cherished son. The successful actor.
Unlike Manik, he was the pride of both parents.
Upstairs, Manik overheard the commotion. His lips curved bitterly. He turned to Naina, his voice low and sharp.
"Go to my room."
She didn't argue. She simply walked away, her heart heavy with emotions she didn't understand.
Downstairs, Vikram greeted his parents with warmth and laughter.
"Bhai!" he smiled brightly when his eyes met Manik's.
But Manik's expression was cold as stone.
"Yes, this house is a hotel. Anyone can walk in."
The words stung, leaving silence in their wake. His father's temper flared, but Anika stopped him.
Manik didn't wait. He turned and walked back upstairs.
"Mom, Dad," Vikram's tone softened, "I can't stay. My shoot in the UK starts soon."
Anika tried to hold him longer, but his smile was apologetic.
"I'll be back soon."
He hugged them both, waved, and left.
The car engine roared outside.
And just like that, Vikram was gone.
Meanwhile, upstairs...
Manik stood by the window, his hand still bleeding. His eyes stared into the distance, but his thoughts were a storm no one could read.
And Naina... somewhere in his house, she was starting to feel something she couldn't explain either.